Selectively actuate clutch controlled toggle actuated railway hopper car doors



Dec. 16, 1969 E. MCGRATH 3,483,830

SELECTIVELY ACTUATE CLUTCH CONTROLLED ToGGLE ACTUATED RAILWAY HOPPER CAR DOORS 8 Sheets-Sheet l Filed July [5, 1967 F EG.

INVENTOR EARL MCGRATH ENQ-N 97,

ATTORNEY Dec. i6. '1969 E. MCGRATH SELECTIVELY ACTUATE CLUTCH CONTROLLED TOGGLE ACTUATED RAILWAY HOPPER CAR DOORS 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 5, 1967 QSB E. MCGRATH 3,483,830

RAILWAY HOPPER GAR DOORS 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Dec. l, E969 SELECTIVELY ACTUATE CLUTCH CONTROLLED TOGGLE ACTUATED Filed July 5, 196'? Dec. 16, 11969 E. MCGRATH SELECTIVELY ACTUATE CLUTCH CONTROLLED TOGGLE ACTUATED RAILWAY HOPPER CAR DOORS 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 5, 1967 Dec. M. 3969 E. MCGRATH SELECTIVELY ACTUATE CLUTCH CONTROLLED TOGGLE ACTUATED RAILWAY HOPPER CAR DOORS 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 5, 1967 Dec. E16. i969 E. MCGRATH SELECTIVELY ACTUATE CLUTCH CONTROLLED TOGGLE ACTUATED RAILWAY HOPPER CAR DOORS 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 5, 1967 @sa E6., 1969 E. MCGRATH 3,483,339

SELECTIVELY CTUTE CLUTCH CONTROLLED TOGGLE ACTUATED RAILWAY HOPPER CAR DOORS 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed July 5, 1967 3,483,83@ SELECTIVELY ACTUATE CLUTCH CONTROLLED TOGGLE ACTUATED E. MCGRATH Das. 35, i959 RAILWAY HOPPER CAR DOORS 8 Sheets-Sheet Filed July 3, 1967 INVENTOR.

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TRNEY nited States Patent O 3,483,830 SELECTIVELY ACTUATE CLUTCH CONTRLLED TUGGILE ACTUATED RAILWAY HOPPER CAR DORS Earle McGrath, Ferguson, Mo., assignor to ACF Industries Incorporated, New York, NX., a corporation of New Jersey Filed July 3, 1967, Ser. No. 650,767 Int. Cl. B61d 7/04, 7/18, 7/26 U.S. (Il. 10S-280 6 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A bottom discharge outlet having a pair of opposed bottom dump doors pivotally mounted thereon. An overcenter linkage releasably locks the doors in closed position and permits a rapid opening of the doors to a full open position by gravity after initial rotation of an operating shaft past its dead center position from closed position. A separate operating mechanism provides a selective controlled rotation of the operating shaft and a controlled gradual opening of the doors to a predetermined opening upon actuation of the separate operating mechanism.

U.S. Patent No. 3,167,026 dated Ian. 26, 1965 shows a pair of opposed bottom dump doors having an overcenter linkage releasably locking the doors in closed position and permitting a rapid opening of the doors to full open position upon rotation of an operating shaft. The present invention permits the opening of the bottom dump doors to any desired amount of opening in the event a relatively slow rate of discharge is desired. Thus, the rate of discharge may be controlled, selectively, by the present discharge outlet.

Briefly described, this invention comprises a hopper outlet structure having a pair of opposed bottom dump doors munted for pivotal movement between open and closed positions, a rotatable operating shaft for actuating the door, an overcenter linkage connected between the doors and the operating shaft to effect opening of the doors to a rapid full open position upon rotation of the shaft in one position and movement of the linkage past a dead center position, and separate control means connected to said shaft and selectively engaged with the shaft to rotate the shaft to permit, selectively, a relatively slow controlled rotation of the operating shaft and a gradual controlled opening of the doors, the control means being selectively movable between engaged and disengaged positions with respect to the operating shaft and permitting in engaged position a controlled rotation of the operating shaft from the closed position of the doors and a gradual opening of the doors a predetermined amount, the control means in disengaged position permitting the rapid movement of the doors to a full open position after an initial rotation of the operating shaft past a dead center position of the linkage.

The invention accordingly comprises the constructions hereinafter described, the scope of the invention being indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings in which one of various possible embodiments of the invention is illustrated,

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of a railway covered hopper car having thereon a plurality of bottom outlet structures comprising the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged end elevation of a bottom outlet structure shown in FIGURE l with the bottom dump doors illustrated in closed position;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged end elevation, with certain parts shown in section, of the bottom outlet structure of FIGURE 2 illustrating the bottom dump doors in a full open position for the gravity discharge of lading;

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FIGURE 4 is a top plan of the bottom outlet structure shown in FIGURES 2 and 3;

FIGURE 5 is a side elevation of the outlet structure shown in FIGURES 2-4;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragment of FIGURE 5 with certain parts broken away and illustrating the control mechanism for the operating shaft in an engaged position for a controlled relatively slow rotation of the operating shaft and a controlled opening of the doors;

FIGURE 7 is a view similar to FIGURE 6 but illustrating the control mechanism in a disengaged position to permit a rapid opening of the bottom dump doors;

FIGURE 8 is an end elevation of the bottom outlet structure as viewed from the end opposite that shown in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 9 is an end elevation similar to FIGURE 8 but showing the bottom dump doors partially opened a predetermined amount under a controlled rotation of the operating shaft; and

FIGURE 10 is a sectional view taken generally along line 10-10 of FIGURE 6.

Corresponding reference characters illustrate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the draw- 1ngs.

Referring now to the drawings for a better understanding of this invention, a covered hopper railway car is generally indicated 10 in FIGURE 1 and includes hoppers 12 having slope sheets 14- leading to bottom discharge structures generally indicated 16 and comprising the present invention. Hatch covers 18 permit hoppers 12 to be loaded with lading, such as granular or particulate materials. Slope sheets 14 and hopper side sheets 20 funnel downwardly to form hopper discharge opening 22 of a generally rectangular configuration. Reinforcing angles 24 extending about the lower ends of sheets 14, each have a lower horizontal flange 26 dening discharge opening 22.

-Each bottom discharge structure 16 has a rectangular housing or frame generally indicated 28 and comprising connected angle-shaped end and side members, each end and side frame member having an upper horizontal flange 30 and a depending vertical flange 32. Upper flange 30 of bottom discharge structure 16 is secured, such as by welding or bolting, to the lower flange 26 of the superjacent hopper structure. Extending between the end frame members of housing 28 is a divider 34 of a generally inverted V-shaped design. Mounted beneath divider 34 is a tubular or hollow operating shaft 36 for effecting upon rotation the opening and closing of a pair of ybottom dump doors generally indicated 38 tnd 40. L-shaped door arms 42 have one end thereof pivotally connected at 44 to housing 28 and the other opposite end having sleeves 46 pivotally connected to stub shafts 48 carried by doors 3S, 40.

Fixed to operating shaft 36 adjacent each end thereof are crank arms '50, 52 which rotate with shaft 36. Each arm 50, S2 includes a pair of spaced portions receiving an end of a bent link 54, 56 between the spaced portions and pivotally connected thereto by respective pins 58, 60. Sleeves 62 on the other ends of bent links 54, 56 are pivotally connected to shafts 48. Secured to each end of operating shaft 36 adjacent opposite sides of railway car 10 is a capstan 63 having openings 64 adapted to receive a handspike or the like. As shown particularly in FIG- URES 6 and 7, capstan 63 has a lug 65 engaging a projection 67 on adjacent hub 66 secured to shaft 36. Rotation of capstan 64 effects rotation of hub 66 and shaft 36 upon contact of lug 65 with projection `67.

In the closed position of doors 38, as shown in FIGURES 2 and 8, the pivots of links 54, 56, formed by shaft 48 and pin 5S for links 54, and by shaft 48 and pin for links 56, are past a dead center position with respect to the longitudinal axis of operating shaft 36. Thus,

in the closed position of doors 38, 40, the weight of the lading tends to rotate shaft 36 toward the closed positionV of doors 38, 40 or a clockwise position viewing FIGURE 2 and a counterclockwise position viewing FIGURE 8. Thus, doors 38, 40 are releasa-bly locked by the overcenter linkage formed by links 54, 56, crank arms 50, 52 and operating shaft 36.

Capstan 63 is mounted for free rotation on shaft 36 and upon rotation of operating shaft 36 by manual rotation of a capstan 63 from the closed position shown in FIGURES 2, 8 the overcenter linkage passes the dead center position with respect to operating shaft 36. Upon movement of the overcenter linkage past dead center position, shaft 36 rotates relative to capstan 63 under the weight of doors 38, 40 and the weight of the lading on the doors thereby to move doors 38, 40 to a rapid full open position as shown in FIGURE 3. In this position the lading is rapidly discharged in a gravity flow. Rotation of capstan 63 and shaft 36 in an opposite direction closes doors 38, 40.

At times, it is desirable to have a relatively slow rate or variable rate of discharge to accommodate the unloading apparatus at the unloading site. In the event it is desired to open doors 38, 40 at a relatively slow controlled rate to a predetermined size of opening, such as indicated f in FIGURE 9, a separate mechanism to control, selectively, the rotation of hollow operating shaft 36 is provided and comprises the present invention. Received within tubular or hollow operating shaft 36 is a selector rod 68 adapted to be moved longitudinally of shaft 36 between engaged and disengaged positions relative to shaft 36. Referring specifically to FIGURES 6 and 7 in which one end of selector rod 68 is illustrated, a reduced diameter end portion 70 of rod 68 has a spring 72 therearound compressed between an annular rim 74 of rod 68 and an inner bushing 76 fixed to the inner surface of shaft 36. 'I'he outer end of tubular shaft 36 has a pair of aligned slots 78 therein and a pin 80 on reduced end portion 70 is adapted to be received within slots 78 as shown in FIGURE 6. A handle 82 on the end of end portion 70 may be easily gripped for moving rod `68 longitudinally relative to shaft 36 and then rotating rod y68 ninety (90) degrees to the position of FIGURE 7 after pin 80 is withdrawn from slots 7S. Spring 72 urges pin 80 into engagement with the adjacent end of hollow shaft 36 in the position of FIGURE 7.

A key 84 fixed to rod 68 adjacent one end thereof and fits within an elongate slot 86 in tubular shaft 36. A worm gear 88 mounted on shaft 36 has an inner elongate slot 90 adapted to receive key 84 in the engaged position of selector rod 68 as shown in FIGURES 6 and 10 for driving shaft 36. An enlarged annular rim 92 defines an annular space adapted to receive key 84 upon longitudinal movement of selector rod 68 to the disengaged position of FIGURE 7 in which shaft 36 may be rotated relative to rod 68 and gear 88. A worm or screw 94 engages Worm gear 88 in driving relation. Referring particularly to FIGURE 4, worm 94 is an integral part of shaft 96 mounted for relation on a bracket generally indicated 97 which is secured to frame 28. Shaft 96 extends to a gear box 98. Mounted within gear box 98 are a bevel gear 100 on yshaft 96 and a bevel gear 102 on a countershaft 104 extending between the ends of outlet 16. A handle 106 on each end of shaft 104 may be gripped manually for rotation of shaft 104 and driving of worm 94 through bevel gears 102, 100. Thus, to open doors 38, 40 a predetermined amount, selector rod 68 is moved from either side of the car to the position of lFIGURES 6 and with key 84 received within slot 90. Then, shaft 104 may be manually rotated from either side of the railway car to rotate worm 94 and drive worm gear 88. Operating shaft 36 is then rotated-by engagement of key 84 with gear 88 for opening doors 38, 40 any predetermined amount. Doors 38, 40 may tbe closed in a similar manner by rotation of shaft 104.

If desired to move door 38, 40 to a fully open position. Selector rod 68 is moved to the position of FIGURE 7 with key 84 and selector rod 68 disengaged from operating shaft 38. In this position rotation of a capstan 63 effects independent rotation of shaft 36 and a rapid opening of doors 38, 40 under the weight of the lading and doors.

From the foregoing, it is understood that a separate selector mechanism has been provided to control, selectively, the opening and closing of bottom dump doors 38, 40. Doors 38, 40 may be opened, selectively, any predetermined amount or may be rapidly opened to full open position.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results obtained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. A bottom outlet structure adapted to be secured beneath the discharge opening of a hopper for the discharge of lading therefrom comprising, a pair of oppositely facing bottom doors closing the discharge opening, means mounting the oppositely facing doors for pivotal movement between a closed position across the discharge opening and an open position removed from the discharge opening to permit a gravity discharge of lading, an operating shaft mounted for lrotation on the bottom outlet structure and extending between opposite ends of the outlet structure, a linkage adjacent each end of the operating shaft connected to both doors and effecting opening of the doors upon rotation of the operating shaft in one direction and closing of the doors upon rotation of the operating shaft in an opposite direction, a capstan adjacent each end of the operating shaft for rotating the shaft upon manual rotation of the capstan, a gear mechanism operatively connected between the capstan and the operating shaft for rotating said operating shaft independently of said capstan, and means to place said gear mechanism selectively in driving relation with said shaft to rotate said shaft for opening and closing said doors, the rotation of said shaft by said capstan from closed position effecting a rapid rotation of the shaft and corresponding rapid opening of the doors, the rotation of said shaft from said gear mechanism from a closed position of the doors effecting a controlled rotation of the operating shaft and a gradual opening of the doors a predetermined amount, said means to place said gear mechanism selectively in driving relation with said shaft comprises a selector rod mounted within said tubular shaft and movable longitudinally relative to said tubular shaft, manual means adjacent an end of said rod for moving said rod relative to said tubular shaft, and cooperating parts between said selector rod and gear mechanism to place said gear mechanism selectively in driving engagement with said shaft upon movement of said selector rod.

2. A bottom outlet structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said selector rod extends outwardly from each end of said tubular shaft and may be manually moved longitudinally of said tubular shaft from either end of said bottom outlet structure.

3. A bottom outlet structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said gear mechanism comprises a worm gear on said operating shaft, a worm in engagement with said worm gear to drive said worm gear, and manual operating means operatively connected to said worm for rotation of said worm and driving of said Worm gear.

4. A bottom outlet structure as set forth in claim 3 wherein said manual operating means to drive said worm comprises a drive shaft on which said worm is mounted, a countershaft extending along a side of said outlet structure between the ends of the outlet structure, a pair of bevel gears conecting said worm drive shaft and said countershaft in driving relation, and means adjacent each end of said countershaft for manually rotating said countershaft from either end of the outlet structure to open and close said bottom doors.

5. A bottom outlet structure adapted to be secured beneath the discharge opening of a hopper for the discharge of lading therefrom comprising, a bottom closure for the discharge opening, means mounting the closure for movement between a closed position across the discharge opening and an open position removed from the discharge opening to permit a gravity discharge of lading, an operating shaft mounted for rotation on the bottom outlet structure and extending between opposite ends of the outlet structure, means connected between the operating shaft and the closure to effect opening of the closure upon rotation of the operating shaft in one direction and closing of the closure upon rotation of the operating shaft in an opposite direction, a capstan mounted on an end of the operating shaft for rotating the shaft upon manual rotation of the capstan, a gear mechanism operatively connected between the capstan and the operating shaft for rotating said operating shaft independently of said capsan, means to place Said gear mechanism selectively in driving relation with said shaft, and manual means independent of said capstan to actuate said gear mechanism to rotate said shaft for opening and closing said closure when said gear mechanism is in driving relation with said shaft, the rotation of said Shaft by said capstan from closed position effecting a rapid rotation of the shaft and corresponding rapid opening of the closure, the rotation of said shaft from said gear mechanism from a closed position of the closure effecting a controlled rotation of the operating shaft and a gradual opening of the closure a predetermined amount.

6. A- bottom outlet structure adapted to be secured beneath the discharge opening of a hopper for the dis charge of lading therefrom comprising, a bottom closure for the discharge opening, means mounting the closure for movement `between a closed position across the discharge opening and an open position removed from the discharge opening to permit a gravity discharge of lading, an operating shaft mounted for rotation on the bottom outlet structure and extending between opposite ends of the outlet structure, means connected between the operating shaft and closure to eect opening of the closure upon rotation of the operating shaft in one direction and closing of the closure upon rotation of the operating shaft in an opposite direction, a capstan mounted on an end of the operating shaft for rotating the shaft upon manual rotation of the capstan, a gear mechanism operatively connected between the capstan and the operating shaft for rotating said operating shaft independently of said capstan, and means to place said gear mechanism selectively in driving relation with said shaft to rotate said shaft for opening and closing said closure, the rotation of said shaft by said capstan from closed position effecting a rapid rotation of the shaft and corresponding rapid opening of the closure, the rotation of said shaft from said gear mechanism from a closed position of the closure effecting a controlled rotation of the operating shaft and a gradual opening of the closure a pre-determined amount, said means to'place said gear mechanism selectively in driving relation with said shaft comprises a selector rod mounted within said tubular shaft and movable longitudinally relative to said tubular shaft, manual means adjacent an end of said rod for moving said rod relative to said tubular shaft, and cooperating parts between said selector rod and gear mechanism to place said gear mechainsm Selectively in driving engagement with said shaft upon movement of said selector rod.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,164,470 12/1915 Coan 295-36 2,651,985 8/1936 Cartzdafner 10S-282 2,772,578 12/ 1956 Kling 74-625 3,167,026 1/1965 Kemp 10S- 250 3,316,859 5/1967 Floehr 10S-313 XR 3,396,675 8/1968 Stevens 10S-280 FOREIGN PATENTS 179,519 11/ 1922 Great Britain.

ARTHUR L. LA POINT, Primary Examiner HOWARD BELTRAN, Assistant Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 

